Markeli is a late antique and medieval Byzantine fortress, which is today located in the territory of the Karnobat municipality in Bulgaria, about 7.5 kilometers from the town of Karnobat. When Khan Krum ascended the throne, the fortress passed into the borders of the Bulgarian Empire. In 811, Emperor Nikephoros gathered a large elite army near the Markeli fortress to attack Bulgaria. At the end of the battle, Nikephoros' army was defeated and he was beheaded. Legend has it that Krum made a cup from Nikephoros' skull. You can learn the history of the fortress and Krum Strashni better when you go there on site. We recommend that you combine this trip with a visit to one of the wineries in the area. The town of Karnobat and the surrounding area are famous for the excellent wines that are made there. The history of the Markeli fortress and a pleasant time are a guarantee for an ideal trip. There have been wineries in the region since 1811. The wineries offer a wide range of white, rosé and red dry wines in different quality categories. You can already taste the pleasure of their pure wines, with bright aromas and wonderfully balanced taste. Here you can try wine from Mavrud This is a grape variety that grows only in Bulgaria. The first bearer of Bulgarian wine fame is the wine from the Mavrud grape variety. For centuries, this wine has been the pride of Bulgaria – black, thick, strong, “you can wear it in a towel”. Visit Bulgaria!